In the final minutes of stoppage time in the second half, Indonesia was awarded a throw-in approximately 45 meters from the goal. Long-throw specialist Robi Darwis positioned himself near the Vietnam technical area. At that moment, Japanese referee Koji Takasaki paused the match due to a dispute between coach Kim and the Indonesian coaching staff.

Takasaki initially intended to restart the match. However, after consulting with the fourth official, he issued a yellow card to the South Korean coach. Coach Kim subsequently bowed repeatedly to the referee.

Vietnam's technical area had several water bottles placed near the sideline, obstructing Robi Darwis's long throw-in run-up during the AFF U23 Championship final at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia, on the evening of 29/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

The match was interrupted again when Indonesian assistant coach Damian Van Rensburg entered Vietnam's technical area and threw the water bottles closer to the field. He then received a red card. Play resumed, but Darwis's throw-in was quickly cleared, and Takasaki blew the final whistle, ending the tournament.

Several Indonesian newspapers, including IDN Times, described coach Kim's actions as "unsportsmanlike." "In the middle of the second half, Kim slightly interfered with Darwis's throw-in, but the 21-year-old midfielder remained silent," the newspaper reported. "At the end of the second half, the visiting team's coach again tried to obstruct Darwis's throw-in, prompting the player to yell at him."

CNN Indonesia also used the term "unsportsmanlike" to characterize Kim's behavior. The newspaper revealed that coach Gerald Vanenburg was angered by the 48-year-old's tactics. "Vietnam's technical area was cluttered with water bottles, hindering Darwis's run-up. Both he and coach Vanenburg were furious," the report stated.

Despite the controversy, some publications praised coach Kim, noting that he continues to be a formidable opponent for Indonesia. Liputan6 published an article titled: "Two tournaments, two titles: Kim Sang-sik becomes the new Park Hang-seo for Vietnam."

At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, coach Kim led Vietnam to a 1-0 victory over Indonesia in the group stage, resulting in Indonesia's elimination. He subsequently guided the team to their third Southeast Asian title. Just over six months later, he steered Vietnam to their third consecutive AFF U23 Championship, defeating Indonesia 1-0 in the final.

Under coach Park Hang-seo, the Vietnamese national team had three wins and two draws in five matches against Indonesia. The U22 team also defeated Indonesia in both the group stage and the final of the 2019 SEA Games, and again in the group stage of the 2021 SEA Games.

Sports website Bola published an article titled: "Like Park, Kim Sang-sik also troubles the Indonesian team." The author commended the well-organized Vietnamese U23 defense, which effectively neutralized striker Jens Raven.

Coach Kim Sang-sik celebrates after the final match. Photo: Hai Tu

"Kim not only changed the team's tactics compared to Philippe Troussier's era but also fostered a positive atmosphere in the dressing room," the website added. "In a short period, Kim has become a nemesis for Indonesia. We haven't scored a single goal in two matches against Vietnam under his leadership."

Compiled by Hoang An